ITT Exelis has proposed an open architecture system for the U.S. Air Force’s B-1B bomber that will expedite testing of the aircraft’s integrated electronic warfare system and reduce maintenance effort and cost throughout its life cycle.

“As the original designer of the B-1B’s electronic warfare system (the ALQ-161A), we’ve drawn on three decades of experience to integrate this system. Further, our open architecture, modular approach will lead to the lowest possible cost of ownership throughout the B-1B’s lifetime,” said Rich Sorelle, Vice President and General Manager of Exelis Electronic Systems integrated electronic warfare systems business area.

Automated test equipment is critical to ensuring the electronic warfare system aboard the B-1B operates at its best. The proposed test station is based on the field-proven LM-STAR system developed by Lockheed Martin Global Training & Logistics originally designed for both the F-22 and F-35 programs. Leveraging on the intimate knowledge of the entire ALQ-161 system, Exelis will develop test programs that execute faster and more effectively. This will reduce overall run times resulting in lower maintenance costs and overall lower cost of ownership for the AN/ALQ-161A.

The Exelis approach includes a modern user interface with an array of updated benefits to both operators and developers. The system uses an optimum mix of Agilent rack-mount COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) equipment and synthetic instrumentation to support RF stimulus and measurement. The station hardware and software components provide the optimum environment for test program set development.